Why you should combine injectables and skin treatments 🙌

Injectables vs skin treatments: Which one truly gives you the best results?

The world of beauty and skincare is forever evolving, and for us at Caci, that’s something worth celebrating. But for those of you whose lives are not dedicated to staying across, ahead and around all the trends and treatments that are constantly being innovated, it can be confusing… and, downright overwhelming. What was once comprised of a cleanser and moisturiser is now made up of lasers, injectables, lights, peels and, the list goes on. 

When it comes to what can be done to your skin, well, how long is a piece of string? The sky is the limit, basically. So the key to getting the best results is arming yourself with knowledge about what each treatment is specifically designed to do, and how including, excluding or combining these can help you get the results you are looking for. Sounds simple enough, right? 

One of the main things that people are often asking is, do I invest in injectables or skin conditioning treatments. Injectables, skin treatments and at-home skincare all serve slightly different purposes, and when used together, they become the ultimate power throuple. While each has its merits and its limitations, when you bring them all together in a meaningful way, that’s where the magic truly happens. 

At Caci, we are lucky to see this happen every single day, clients who combine in-clinic skin conditioning with cosmetic injectables to get results that not only work, but literally make your skin age better. Here’s a break down: 

Injectables: structure, lift and support

For people who have never dipped their toes into injectables, they can be scary. But a lot of this fear stems from the misconception that they cause you to have a frozen forehead or duck lips, which couldn’t be further from the truth. You only notice injectables when they are either administered poorly or when people have had too much of them. The name of the game is enhancement, and if you go to a knowledgeable practitioner, we promise, people will be none the wiser. 

This is why, when it comes to injectables, choosing where you have them done is the most important step in the entire process. Whether you want the full spectrum of filler and Botox, or if you just want an undetectable Profhilo glow, who administers the injections will ultimately determine how you look after. 

Frozen and full may have been the name of the game in decades past, but recent years have seen the rise and championing of subtle embellishments that support the structure beneath the skin so that you look like you, just fresher. 

At Caci, our registered nurses perform all the cosmetic injectable treatments we offer, including anti-wrinkle, dermal filler, and our newer bio-stimulators like Profhilo and Structura. Think of injectables like your internal scaffolding, they work under the skin to restore the things time has slowly taken away from you, like volume, hydration and elasticity. 

Botox and Xeomin

Commonly known by brand names like Botox or Xeomin, anti-wrinkle injectables are purified proteins that relax wrinkle-causing muscles. When those muscles take a little holiday, the lines they create, like frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead creases, begin to soften and smooth.

Contrary to popular belief, you’ll still look like you; you’ll just look like you’ve been getting eight hours of sleep and a green juice every day. Results typically last three to five months, and regular maintenance means the effects often last longer over time.

The best part? Treatments take around 15 minutes, there’s minimal downtime, and the results speak for themselves… smooth, refreshed, and subtly lifted.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers do exactly what the name suggests… they fill areas that have lost volume or need a little contour. Made from hyaluronic acid (a molecule naturally found in our skin), filler attracts water and adds instant hydration and plumpness.

At Caci, we use Juvederm and Belotero fillers, both high-quality, clinically tested products. These are perfect for cheeks that need a lift, lips that could use definition, or jawlines that have started to soften over time.

Results are instant and can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the area treated and your metabolism. It’s the go-to for sculpting and restoring youthful shape, all while keeping your look natural and balanced.

Profhilo and Structura

Now for the new kids on the block, bio-stimulating injectables like Profhilo and Structura. These treatments don’t fill or freeze; instead, they stimulate your skin to regenerate itself.

Profhilo is a deeply hydrating treatment that uses the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid on the market to kickstart collagen and elastin production. It’s basically like an injectable moisturiser that works from within, giving that lit-from-within glow that topical skincare just can’t achieve on its own. 

Structura takes it up a notch; it regenerates the fat pads under your skin that give your face structure and shape. It’s ideal for those noticing sagging cheeks or hollow temples, creating lift and contour without adding bulk.

Both treatments improve firmness, texture, and hydration, and because they work with your body’s natural processes, the results look incredibly natural. Combine them with good skin conditioning, and your skin will thank you with radiance that doesn’t quit.

Skin treatments: glow, texture and tone

So, by now you are probably thinking, injectables sound life-changing, why don’t I just get those? Well, while they absolutely are life-changing procedures, they are not going to keep your skin healthy on their own. It’s best to think of injectables at your back stage crew, and your skin treatments as your on-stage performers. Where injectables lift and smooth, skin treatments refine, resurface and brighten. 

At Caci, the Reformaskin Skin Health Membership is the ticket to staying consistent with having your treatments done. This tailored programme will have you booked in for a skin conditioning treatment every 3-4 weeks to keep your skin looking its best all year round. Here’s the low down on a few of them: 

Microdermabrasion and Hydradermabrasion 

Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliation that buffs away dead skin cells and unclogs pores. It’s perfect for dull, congested, or uneven skin leaving your face feeling smooth, soft, and luminous.

If your skin’s feeling parched, Hydradermabrasion takes things further. It’s like a tall drink of water for your skin; deep cleansing, detoxifying, and hydrating all at once. 

Sonophoresis Skin Infusion

This treatment uses sound waves to infuse antioxidants and vitamins deep into the skin. It’s like pressing boost mode on your serums… improving tone, texture, and hydration. Think dewy, bouncy, glazed-doughnut skin with long-term benefits.

LED Light Therapy 

LED Light Therapy is basically therapy… for your skin cells. Red light stimulates collagen and helps with ageing, while blue light targets acne and bacteria. It’s non-invasive, relaxing, and ideal for giving your skin a chance to recharge and repair itself. Get yourself an at-home one to take the glow even further. 

Advanced Treatments

You won’t get these included in your standard Reformaskin plan, but if you are wanting more intensive results or are prepping for a big event like a wedding, lasers and peels are where you will get the best bang for your buck. 

Why the best results come from both 

Here’s the thing… skin ageing doesn’t happen in one layer, so treating it in one layer won’t give you the full picture. 

This is an incredibly metaphor heavy blog but… the best way to describe the combination is like renovating a house. Injectables give you a solid foundation but skin treatments are the paint job and lighting that bring the whole project together, and just like a house reno, you need both for a full transformation. 

Another bonus is that injectables actually last longer when your skin is in good condition. Treatments like microneedling, LED, and peels improve circulation and collagen levels, helping the skin hold onto those injectable benefits for longer.

Many of our Caci clients find that when they stick to their Reformaskin treatments between Amerase (the injectable equivalent) appointments, their results look smoother and more natural for months longer. It’s a win-win for both your skin and your wallet.

Build your perfect plan

If you are someone who has struggled to stick to a regimented skin routine in the past, the best piece of advice we can offer is to take the thinking and planning out of the equation. Caci’s membership plans work like having a PA for your skin, and if you’re ready to get serious about results, combining Amerase (for injectables) and Reformaskin (for skin treatments) is the best plan of action. 

Memberships make it easy to stay consistent without the stress of big upfront costs. Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly, or monthly and you’ll always have your next appointment booked so you never fall off track. 

Book a free consultation at your local Caci clinic today and discover your ultimate skin combination plan.

PROFHILO® STRUCTURA is a class 3 medical device and must be injected by a medical practitioner or a qualified nurse injector (operating under the supervision of a medical practitioner). PROFHILO® STRUCTURA [4.5% – 22.5 mg (H-HA) + 22.5 mg (L-HA)/1 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt and 4.5% – 45 mg (H-HA) + 45 mg (L-HA)/2 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt], injection gel in a single use sterile prefilled syringe. It is indicated for adults of both sexes for corrective / filling action of natural or induced skin depressions. PROFHILO® STRUCTURA has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare professional if PROFHILO® STRUCTURA is right for you and to explain the possible side effects.

Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50,100 or 200 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Note: Botox® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation”. A charge applies. You will need to pay for treatment Allergan, Auckland.

XEOMIN® Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. XEOMIN®has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if XEOMIN® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of XEOMIN® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from https://merzaustralia.com.au/patientinformation/aesthetics/products/ or www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. XEOMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply.For further information, consult your doctor or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information available at: www.medsafe.govt.nz Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL), 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022.

JUVEDERM ULTRA® & JUVEDERM ULTRA PLUS® injectable gels are Prescription Medicines containing 24 mg/mL cross linked hyaluronic acid. They are used for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler. People with autoimmune disease; or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, age under 18; or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. Possible Side Effects: Injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling /itching/pain on pressure); induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Note: Juvederm® treatment lasts from about 12-24 months. Allergan New Zealand Ltd. PO Box 1873 Auckland 1140, New Zealand.

BELOTERO® is hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It is used to improve the look of facial fold and wrinkles and restore volume, including contouring, shaping and volumising of the lips. Always read the label and consult your Healthcare Professional for more information. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional.You should tell your practitioner and avoid treatment with BELOTERO® if you: have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients; if you tend to develop keloids or heavy scars; have any bleeding disorders, poor wound healing, inflamed or infected skin, or general infection; are under the age of 18; are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform your practitioner of any diseases you have or have had. These include in particular cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, skin infections or severe allergies. If you take medication or vitamins, have had previous cosmetic procedures, or have been treated with other implants, please inform your practitioner. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL). 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. 

Profhilo®, containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty. Ltd. Whanganui.

Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.

Juvederm Ultra™ & Juvederm Ultra Plus™ are medical devices Class III for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. Contains 24mg/mL. cross-linked hyaluronic acid Juvederm has risks and benefits. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler, people with autoimmune disease, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. People on blood thinning medicines. Possible side effects: injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling, itching/pain on pressure) induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Product and treatment costs will apply. Belotero® is a Class III medical device to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore of enhance the lips or restore facial volume Belotero has risk and benefits. Ask your specialist if Belotero is right for you. Contains transparent cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel of nonanimal origin with lidocaine 0.3% to reduce local pain. Do not use if you have a skin inflammation or a skin infection or until the infection is healed. Precautions. There is a risk of infection. Tell your doctor if you are on blood-clotting medicines as there could be an increased risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Possible side effects: swelling, bruising, redness hardening of the skin, pain, altered colour or itching. Lasts 6-12 months You will need to pay for this product and doctor’s fees apply. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland